Last year in my history class with Mr. Higley, I wrote an essay on the Cologne Cathedral. It was a great experience and I learned a ton about the layout of cathedrals, how they are built, and the importance of them in the community. Our first stop in Germany last week, on our way between Amsterdam and Wurzburg, was in Cologne and we got to see the cathedral in person! At 515 feet high, it is the third tallest church in the world and second tallest church in Europe. Construction began in 1248 and, after a break around 1560, was finished in 1880. Flying buttresses are an important part in keeping this cathedral upright (they look like sideways arches coming out from the center building). I loved being able to see the subject of a big project from school right in front of me!
We also stopped in Bonn, the birthplace of Beethoven. We got to see the house where he was born and took some pictures from the outside. After Bonn, we drove to Wurzburg and stayed in a hotel for a few nights, got haircuts, did laundry, and planned our time on Germany’s Romantic Road.
The Koelner Dom is astounding, isn’t it?! I remember just sitting and staring from inside at the angles and shadows and light. I don’t think I’ve been to Wurzburg, but I have been to Bonn – we went to the old Olympic Stadium. I still don’t know why that’s what my host father decided they wanted to show me on that trip…but it was. At least I got to visit Mozart’s hometown of Salzburg to get my fill of composer-homes later that year. 🙂
These photos and stories of your time in Germany are so fabulous and fun to read!! What a beautiful country! I love the Romantic Road photos! What a thrill to see the stunning Cologne Cathedral!! Absolutely amazing!! Love the sledding photos too! Thank you so much for doing this Blog and including us on your trip! It certainly has been a great experience for all of you! (And for those of us who are following you!) Blessings and continued safe travels!